If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok and noticed how often music plays a central role in viral videos, you’re not alone. TikTok has become a hub for music promotion and discovery. But did you know you can actually get paid to promote music on TikTok? That’s right – as an everyday TikTok user or influencer, you can turn your love for music and content creation into a side hustle or even a full-time job.
This guide will show you how to start earning money by promoting music on TikTok, focusing on methods that work for people in the UK. Whether you’re already a TikTok influencer or just starting to create content, there’s real potential to build an income while doing what you enjoy.
Why Do Musicians and Labels Pay to Promote Music on TikTok?
Before jumping into how you can get paid to promote music, it’s worth understanding why TikTok has such a strong connection to the music industry.
TikTok is where trends are born. Millions of users discover songs every day through trending challenges, creative videos, and catchy soundbites. One viral video using a specific track can skyrocket that song’s popularity overnight. Artists and record labels know this, which is why they’re willing to invest in TikTok creators to get their music in front of a wider audience.
For them, paying TikTok creators to feature a song is an affordable way to generate buzz. For you, it’s an opportunity to earn money by doing something as simple as including their song in your next TikTok video.
The Basics of Getting Paid to Promote Music on TikTok
To earn money promoting music on TikTok, there are a few key steps you’ll need to follow. Here’s a breakdown:
- Build a Following
The first requirement for making money on TikTok is having an audience. Brands and artists are more likely to reach out if you’ve got an engaged viewer base. While you don’t necessarily need millions of followers, having a decent-sized community (even a few thousand followers) can open doors. Micro-influencers with smaller but highly engaged audiences are often in-demand, as their followers trust their recommendations more. - Create Engaging Content
To stand out as someone who can successfully promote music, your videos need to showcase creativity. Use trends, transitions, or storytelling in your posts to keep viewers interested – and ensure the music feels like a natural part of the content. - Connect with Music Promotion Platforms or Agencies
Some platforms act as middlemen between TikTok creators and artists or record labels. Signing up for these can help you find paid opportunities to promote music more easily. We’ll discuss a few options later in this guide. - Work Directly with Artists or Labels
Once you establish yourself on TikTok, independent artists and labels may approach you directly to include their tracks in your videos. This type of partnership often gives you more creative freedom, too. - Track Your Success
Artists want to see results. Use TikTok’s analytics to share insights into how your posts perform. Engagement, views, and shares are some of the metrics that will prove your worth as a music promoter.
Now that you know the basics, let’s dig deeper into each aspect and how to get started.
How to Build Your TikTok Following
Before you can get paid to promote music, you’ll need to grow your TikTok account. Here’s how to gain followers in a way that appeals to both your audience and potential brand collaborators:
1. Focus on Creating Quality Content Regularly
- Post consistently (aim for at least 4-5 times a week).
- Use trending hashtags, songs, and challenges to get your videos discovered by broader audiences.
- Keep videos short, engaging, and visually appealing.
2. Pick a Niche
If you want to stand out, specialising in a specific type of content can make you more appealing to brands. For example, you could focus on:
- Dance and choreography
- Lifestyle and fashion
- Comedy and skits
- Tutorials or storytelling
Whatever your niche, make sure including promoted music feels natural rather than forced.
3. Engage with Your Audience
Reply to comments, engage with followers in your videos, and participate in trending duets or stitches. The more authentic and interactive you are, the more likely people will stick around and engage with your content.
4. Work with Viral Songs
Using popular tracks in your videos is a great way to increase views and engagement – and it can attract artists who want you to promote their music. Keep an eye on TikTok’s “For You” page to track trending songs and incorporate them strategically.
Keep in mind, building a following takes time. Be patient and consistent, and the results will come.
Platforms That Help You Get Paid to Promote Music
While you can work directly with artists, using specialized platforms can make it easier to start earning. Here are some platforms that TikTok creators in the UK can use:
1. PlaylistPush
- Connects influencers with artists looking to promote their tracks.
- Pays TikTok creators to use certain songs in their videos.
- You’ll need consistent content and an engaged following to qualify.
2. Indify
- A platform for independent artists that allows them to collaborate with TikTok creators.
- Focuses on promoting up-and-coming talent, so you might find fresh music for your videos.
3. Pearpop
- Lets TikTok creators and influencers earn money by collaborating with brands and musicians.
- You can set your price and define what type of promotion you’re offering (e.g., creating a video using a specific track).
4. Fiverr or Your Own Portfolio
- If you want full control over your pricing and partnerships, consider advertising your services on platforms like Fiverr. Showcase your TikTok stats to attract independent musicians who need support.
By joining one of these platforms, you’ll have access to paid partnerships without needing to do all the outreach on your own.
How Much Can You Earn Promoting Music on TikTok?
Your earnings will vary depending on your follower count, engagement rate, and the type of promotion you’re offering. Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect based on your TikTok account size:
- Micro-influencers (1,000 – 10,000 followers): £10-£50 per music feature.
- Mid-tier influencers (10,000 – 100,000 followers): £50-£500 per post, depending on engagement.
- Top creators (100,000+ followers): £500+ per post, with potential for sponsorship deals.
Remember, high engagement often matters more than follower count. If your followers actively like, share, and comment on your posts, you can demand higher rates.
Tips for Success in Promoting Music
Maximize your chances of success by following these tips:
- Be Honest and Authentic
Only promote music you genuinely enjoy or believe your audience will like. If your promotion feels forced, your followers may lose trust. - Create Standout Content
Avoid simply lip-syncing to a track. Be creative – choreograph a dance, craft a cool transition, or tell a story that fits the mood of the song. - Always Disclose Sponsored Content
It’s important to follow advertising guidelines when promoting music. If you’re being paid or compensated to use a song, disclose it transparently. - Network with Other Creators
Collaborate with fellow TikTok users in your niche to expand your reach and get noticed by more artists or labels. - Stay Updated on Trends
TikTok trends move quickly. Make sure you’re staying on top of current hashtags, popular formats, and viral sounds to stay relevant. - Invest in High-Quality Production
You don’t need fancy equipment, but good lighting, clear audio, and thoughtful editing can go a long way in showcasing both your content and the music.
Promoting Music on TikTok Can Lead to Bigger Opportunities
Beyond making money in the short term, consistently promoting music on TikTok can open the door to bigger opportunities like:
- Long-term sponsorships or collaborations with record labels.
- Invitations to music events or exclusive premieres.
- Expanding into other platforms like Instagram or YouTube with your influencer presence.
The key is to approach TikTok not just as a hobby but as a serious way to earn money while helping artists succeed.
Final Thoughts
TikTok isn’t just a place for fun videos – it’s a powerful platform where you can get paid to promote music and collaborate with artists. If you’re in the UK and love spending time creating content, why not make it profitable? By focusing on building your following, creating engaging videos, and connecting with opportunities, you can turn TikTok into a legitimate income stream.
Whether you’re using platforms like PlaylistPush or negotiating directly with musicians, remember to stay authentic and focus on building an engaged community. The more value you can bring to both your audience and the artists, the more opportunities you’ll unlock. Good luck!